Ex-Everton star available for £0: Preston, Leicester & and Sheffield Wednesday must eye deal | OneFootball

Preston, Leicester and Sheffield Wednesday should all consider a move for free agent Tom Davies as he continues to keep fit by training with Everton.

Tom Davies remains on the lookout for a new club after leaving Sheffield United when his deal at Bramall Lane expired in the summer.

The 28-year-old midfielder had an injury-hit final campaign with the Blades, so it didn’t come as a massive shock when they didn’t extend his deal.

Action Images

As a result, the former Everton man is a free agent, and it has been confirmed that Davies has been back at Finch Farm training with the Toffees U21 squad in a bid to stay fit as he prepares for his next move.

The former England youth international made 179 appearances for Everton after breaking through the ranks, and whilst there were some brilliant moments, there was a feeling that he didn’t fulfil his potential, with injuries once again restricting the impact Davies could make.

Nevertheless, there’s no denying he is a player with talent, and with the new season set to start, clubs will pick up the pace when it comes to reshaping their squads.

So, Davies will hope to get back in the game swiftly, and here FLW has a look at THREE clubs in the EFL that should consider taking a chance on the midfielder…

Preston North End

Action Images

One potential option could be Preston, as Paul Heckingbottom will be in the market for at least one central midfielder after Ben Whiteman’s move to Wrexham.

That’s not to say that Davies is a comparable replacement for North End’s skipper, but he is a player that could add something to the side in the middle of the park, if he can stay fit.

Paul Heckingbottom will know that he isn’t working with the biggest budget in the league, and there may be positions he wants to prioritise with the money that is available, such as bringing in attacking reinforcements.

Therefore, if Preston can beef up their midfield with Davies on a free transfer, it could make sense, and whilst his fitness record does make it a somewhat risky deal, it has the potential for a big pay-off if he can play regularly.

Sheffield Wednesday

Action Images

Henrik Pedersen is having to build an entirely new squad at Hillsborough this summer after Sheffield Wednesday’s takeover was finally completed in May.

Even with relegation to League One, the Owls will be an attractive option to players, and whilst Davies may not want to drop to the third tier, it may be necessary if he wants to get more game time.

Wednesday have already brought in some quality midfielders, including the returning Barry Bannan, but they are still short of one or two, and Davies’ ability to play different roles within central midfield, means he could be the ideal fit.

As well as that, Davies’ experience in the game and personality could be very useful in a new dressing room, and he would be one of few who have played at the highest level, which could only benefit the group.

Leicester City

Action images

Following on from that, Leicester are another big club in League One, and they are also building a squad that is centred on youth, so Davies’ experience would help in a similar way.

Russell Martin’s style of play may also appeal to Davies, because, at his best, he is a player that is technically very good, and he would flourish in the approach that the ex-Southampton boss demands.

The Foxes are able to spend this summer, but they have to be careful with what they do from a financial perspective, so enhancing the squad with a player like Davies on a free transfer could be a smart addition.